I have had the blessing to have lived in six countries on three continents – and moved 18 times in the process. Before I was a pastor I read law and wrote my PhD on international refugee law. But whether it was Kuwait, the United Kingdom, or the Netherlands, whether I was a student or a lawyer, I always belonged to a Christian community – the Church. Not just the Church with a big “C” but also to specific congregations. No matter where I was, where I was living – I always found a home in Christ’s living, visible, body – the local Church.

We live in interesting times. A lot of our public discourse hovers around the question: who are we? Who are we as individuals, bodies, people, and citizens? These are very important and difficult questions to be asking. But the faithful witness of the Bible reminds us that we cannot answer them on our own. The African concept of Ubuntu reminds us: we are because others are. Our identity is tied up in that of our Sisters and Brothers. As Christians we add to that: our identity is deeply rooted in the person and acts of Jesus Christ. The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) reminds us of this so beautifully: “We are not our own, but belong, in body and soul, in life and in death to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ.”

It is this Christ – incarnate, crucified and risen – who calls us to this joyful fellowship called the Church. Worship, preaching, and faithful celebration of the Sacraments all draw as nearer, ever closer, ever more loving to Christ. In these liturgical actions, we discover who we are and who we are called to be by the God who created us.

Sound fascinating? It sure is! Join us therefore at First Church in Marlborough. We are a congregation of over 200 members from over 20 nationalities, many ethnicities, political opinions, ages, genders, sexual orientations all of whom God in Jesus Christ is drawing to Godself.